Distribution centers are under pressure as ecommerce growth, tight labor markets, and rising customer expectations force operators to find smarter ways to improve efficiency. With high turnover and ongoing labor shortages, many DCs are accelerating their adoption of automation, robotics, and ergonomic solutions that keep operations running smoothly.
Modern automation tools—from goods-to-person systems to mobile robots—are now more accessible and easier to deploy than a decade ago. Companies are investing heavily in these technologies to support workers, reduce manual strain, and maintain continuous flow, especially during peak demand.
Leaders across the industry emphasize that success requires pairing automation with strong change management. When workers understand how new systems help them, adoption improves and productivity rises.
At the same time, solutions like Gorbel’s Destuff-it™ conveyor systems and VARGO’s continuous-flow software are showing how targeted automation can increase throughput, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance overall labor satisfaction without replacing staff.
As warehouses continue evolving, the future points to incremental automation, stronger human-machine collaboration, and smarter use of real-time data. The goal is simple: keep products moving efficiently, keep workers safer, and keep supply chains resilient.
